ATSI Forced Demolition of BTS Towers in Badung: Bali’s Tourism Sector is at Risk of Disruption

Liputan6.com, Jakarta – Telecommunications operators who are members of the Association of Indonesian Telecommunications Operators (ATSI) regretted the unilateral demolition of telecommunication towers or Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) by the Civil Service Police Unit of the Government of Badung Regency, Bali.

They also turned off telecommunication equipment owned by Telkomsel, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, XL Axiata and Smartfren which used infrastructure owned by members of the Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure Developers Association (ASPIMTEL).

“We deeply regret the dismantling of the telecommunications tower by the Badung Regency Government Satpol PP which was carried out unilaterally,” said ATSI Secretary General Marwan in a written statement, Thursday (27/4/2023).

He emphasized that his party would continue to monitor the condition of telecommunication networks and services in the areas affected by the demolition to ensure that the interests of the community were not disturbed, especially domestic and foreign tourists who were the driving force of the economic lifeblood in the Badung Regency area.

According to ATSI, this forced demolition action will have an impact on the strategic support of telecommunications services for the revival of the tourism sector. In the end, the tourism sector in Bali is also threatened with disruption, especially in the Badung Regency area.

This act of forcibly turning off telecommunications equipment has an impact on potential disruptions to the loss of telecommunications services (blank spot) in strategic areas in Badung Regency such as leading tourism areas, public service offices, community economic centers, office areas and MSMEs, educational facilities, to health service points.

“It is undeniable, telecommunication services are strategic support to ensure the continuity of tourism activities, public services, the community’s economy, offices and MSMEs, education to health, including in the Badung Regency area,” said Marwan.

Realizing the importance of this, ATSI encourages all related parties to open up communication space so that the public’s interests are not further harmed.